Apparatus for forming concrete columns.



J. PETERSON.

APPARATUS FORAFORMING CONCRETE COLUMNS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.12, 1913.

Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

INVENTOR! A A A j WITNESSES J. PETERSON.

APPARATUS FORFORMING CONCRETE COLUMNS. APPLIGATION FILED MAR.12,1913.

1 3126,,853, Patent ed Feb.2,1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2. 32 3] 3% E9 27 5 6 z 32 f9 18 12 WNW ll im IIIIIIME a I rlll WITNESSES; JNVEN TOR:

JOHN PETERSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING CONCRETE COLUMNS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

Application filed March 12, 1913. Serial No. 753,733.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN PETERSON, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Ghi- ,material and for providing improved apparatus which is effective and efiicient in operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a removable core which is readily placed in position and easily removed from the column when it is formed.

A. still further object of the invention is to provide improved means for pressing the abutting edges of a sheet of plastic material together at the place where they abut to make a smooth, clean joint.

For the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful objects as will appear, this invention conslsts in the features of novelty in the construc tion, combination and arrangement of the SBXBIal parts generally shown in the accompanying drawings and described -1n the specification but more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus of this class constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional View of a part of the apparatus with the core in position; Fig. 3 is a veiw in elevation of one end ofthe apparatus before the column is formed; F g. 4 is a cross sectional view after a column has been formed; Fig. 5 is a detail view of the removable side strips for'gaging the depth of the plastic material; Fig. 6 is a detail viewwof the fastening means for one of the end members; Fig. 7 is a detail view illustrating the position of the core and the layers of plastic material ust before the two edges are joined and Fig. '8, is an end view of a core in removable position in a formed column.

This invention relates to the construction of hollow columns by turning up the edges of a properly proportioned sheet of plastic material about the central core and to the apphcation of pressure to the sheet of plastic material at the juncture of the two edges whereby a smooth, firm joint is produced, and to the removal of the core when the column has become set.

Referring more particularly to the drawmgs, a plurality of standards 10 are spaced apart in accordance with the length and size of the column, and each provides spaced bearings for a pair of short shafts 11 and a second pair of shafts 12. Toothed segments 13 and 1 1 each having an extending arm 15 are mounted upon the shafts 11, and mounted in the ends of corresponding arms of the several segments are shafts 16, by means of which the arms are moved in unison.

Mounted on the shafts 12 are gears 17 which mesh with each other and with the segments 13 and 1-1, respectively, so that the rotatlon of one of the shafts 12 will cause a corresponding rotation of the other shaft 12, of both of the segments 13 and 1-1 and conse quently of the shafts 11 and of the arms 15 of the said segments. In order to effect this movement both of the shafts 12 are prov ded with a power lever 18, at ends opposite to each other and in order to lock the shafts in a fixed position one or both of the shafts 12 are each provided with a toothed ratchet 19 with which a pawl 20 engages.

Supported by the arms 15 at the extremities thereof and by the shafts 16 are a plurality of yokes 21 and 22 which are each formed with hooks 23 looped over the shafts and with the other ends pivotally connected to a support 24. These yokes 21 and 22 are arcuate in form and are so disposed with each other that when rotated about their point of pivotal support, their outer ends w1l l abut with their inner surface forming a circle next adjacent the support 24. Ad jacent their point of pivotal support they are each provided with a cam surface 25 and pivotally mounted to the table. Adjacent the point of pivotal support of. the

yokes are supplemental arms 26 which are each adapted to engage the cam surface 25 of the respective'yokes on one side and with their other side forming a continuance of the inner edge of the yoke, so that the arms 26 will fill the space in the yokes formed by the cam surface 25 and when the yokes are in closed position, as shown more clearly by Fig. 4, will form a complete circle.

' of the table.

The upper surface of the support 24 forms a table 27 which extends the whole width of the apparatus and is slightly Wider than the circumference of the column to be'formed. WVhen the arms :15 are in extended position, as illustrated by- Fig. 3, the table is in position between the arms of each set and the yokes 21 and 22 are disposed so that their outer ends extend slightly above the edges In this position the arms are below the upper surface of the table so that a plain, level surface is provided.

' To properly apportion the plastic material of which a column is to be constructed a sheet 28 of flexible material of the proper width and length is placed upon the table and along the sides .of the sheet a pair of removable side strips 29 are disposed. These strips are preferably formed, as shown more clearly in Fig. 5, and comprise a substantial L-shaped section with a recess 30 therein ,which adapts the side strip to be-slipped over the side edges of the sheet 28 and to be easily removable therefrom at will. These side strips 29 are preferably of the. proper height of a layer of plastic material for the column to be made. At the ends of the sheet 28, and at the end supports are end pieces 31. These end pieces are of the proper height and form so that a straight edge moved across the end piece Wlll form a layer of plastic material on the sheet 28 and between the side pieces 29 of exactly the proper thickness, and with the plastic material disposedin precisely the proper mannerto form a column of the desired circumference and thickness. For this purpose the end members 31 are formed with thick-- ened or enlarged portions 32. In order to secure the end pieces 31 to the table 27, the' to engage the end edge of the table 27 and to hold the end pieces firmly in position.

In order to retain the sheet 28 in proper position upon the table 27, the table is provided with projections 36 and the sheet 28 is provided with corresponding perforations which engage with the'projections and. hold the sheet firmly in position. These projections are preferably of a length to extend only through the sheet itself and therefore do not mar the column.

After the sheet of plastic material has been properly apportioned and is of the proper consistency, the end pieces 31 are removed and the end plates 37 substituted therefor.- These end plates are each provided with a perforation and are secured in position by fastening devices similar to those shown in Fig.6 and are sufiicient in height and length to prevent the plastic material core and end plates being used for columns of any length.

The preferred form of removal core is comprises a segment 41 having longitudinal grooves 42 in each'of which a rounded projection 43 of segments, 44 are rotatable. These segments 44 are spaced apart and between them is disposed a movable member 45 which is pivotally connected by means of links 46 to the segment 41 so that the member 45 is in extended position when the.

links 46 are at right angles to this member 41, whereby the member 45 may be knocked down by a movement, in either direction .from this position. When the links are in shown more clearly in Figs. 2, 4, 7, and 8 and extended position the edges of the member;

45 engage the free extremities of the segments 44 and the outer edges of the member 45, and the segments 44 and 42 form a complete cylinder having an outside diameter the same as-the desired inside of the column to be formed. The segments 44 are secured Pivotally connected to one 0f the shafts 16 between the yoke membersmounted thereon are members 50 having a flat surface .51

on one side and a surface '52 inclined'thereto toward the end on the opposite side. When a column is being formed and just before the arms 15 are brought together, as

shown in Fig. 4, these members 50 are rothis joint whereby a smooth and intimate joint is formed.

In operation the plastic material is placed upon a sheet of flexible material 28 upon the table 27 in the position shown by Fig. 3. In this position the side strips 29 and the end pieces 31 are in position and the plastic material is properly apportioned by running a strai ht edge over the end members 31 and leveling off the surface. thereof. The

end pieces 31 are )thenremoved, the end plates 37are substituted, and the remov able core 39 held in position by the end plates. The pawl 20 is released from enover the table until they abut,

masses shaft 16 and further compression'is applied to the column by the continued movement of the lever 18 in the same direction as before. The pressure applied will form a smooth column of the proper diameter andthickness; binding rings (not shown) may then be placed about the column and the column removed from the machine and allowed to dry. When "suiiiciently dry the core 39 is loosened by moving thej'member 45 in either direction, whereupon the side segments i l-will takethe position'shown by Fig. 8, and thecore can then-be readily removed. g

It is'obvi'ous that columns-of any desired length, thickness ordiameter may be formed by simply .varying the'elemen'ts by means of which the columns are formed. hat I "claimis: 1. In 'a column forming'apparatus, the combination with; a table for supporting'a layer of plastic material, of'm'eans secured thereto for bending the edges of the plastic material until they abut and for holding the edges abutting until the-plastic material unites.

2. In acolumn forming apparatus, the combination with table members for sup- ,porting 'a layer of plastic material, and

means secured to the said members below the upper face thereof for bending the opposite edges of the layer of plastic material upwardly until they abut and for holding the edges abutting until the plastic material unites.

3. In hollow column forming apparatus, the combination with -table members for supporting a layer of plastic material, of yokemembers pivotally. mounted thereon and movablevupwar'dly over the table to form a closed circle, and means in connection with the yokes for supporting the table.

4. In an apparatus'of the'class described, the combination with table members, of yokes pivotally mounted atone end thereto, and means in connection with the free ends of the yoke for swinging them upwardly the said yokes 1forming a closed circle above the t'able memers. Y s

5. In'an apparatus of the class described, the combination of slotted table members,

and coiiperating yokes pivotally mounted in the slots and movable upwardl untilthey abut forming an inner comp ete circular opening.

6. In an a pp'aratus' of the class described, the combination with'tabl'e members ha'ving slots therein, of yokes pivotally mounted in the slotsand movable to form a closed ring, and arms supported by the table member and engaged by the yokes in their movement and adapted to form with the yokes a closed circular opening.

'7. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with table members, of yokes pivotally mounted thereto spaced apart and movable to form a closed opening on one side of the table, and pivotally mounted arms engaged by the yokes in their 'movement and adapted to form with the yokes, when in abutting position, a closed circular opening.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with spaced standards, of shafts having bearings in the standards, toothed segments having arms projecting therefrom mounted upon the shafts, gears meshing with each other and with the toothed segments, shafts connecting the arms of each set of segments, table members, yokes pivotally connected at their inner ends to the table members having hook portions to-engage the shafts at the ends of the arms, and means to raise and lower the table members and to simultaneously move the yokes below and above the table mem- 'bers.

toothed segments, shafts connecting the arms of each set of segments, tablemembers, yokes pivotally connected at their inner ends to the table members having hook portions to engage the shafts at the ends of the arms, releasable means to hold the table in its raised position, and a lever in connection with oneofsaid gears whereby the rotation thereof will affect the movement of the table up and down and the'corresponding movement of the yokes out of and into a circular inclosi-ng position.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with table members for supporting a layer of plastic material, of a collapsible core, and means for bending the edges of the plastic material about the core until they abut and for holding the edges abutting until the plastic material unites.

11. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with table members for supporting a layer of plastic material, of a collapsible core, supporting means at the ends of the layerfor the core, andmeans for bending the edges of the plastic material about the core until they abut.

12. In an apparatus of the class described, thecombination with means for supporting a layer of plastic material, of mechanism in connection with said means for bending the edges ofthe plastic material until they the combination with means for supporting 1 a layer of plastic material, of collapsible cores, mechanism in connection with said means for bending the edges of the plastic material about the core until they abut, and means in connection with said mechanism to compress the plastic material against the core along the line of the abutting edges to form a smooth firm joint.

14. Inan apparatus of the class described,

the combination with means for supporting a layer of plastic material, of mechanism for bending the edges of the plastic material until they abut, said mechanism comprising parallel sets of arms, and shafts connecting the arms of each set, and compression devices mounted upon-one of the shafts and movable into engagement with the abutting edges of the plastic material and with the other shaft, whereby the abutting edges will be forced together to form a smooth joint.

15. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with means for supporting a layer ofplastic material, of mechanism for bending the edges of the plastic ma,-

terial until they abut, said mechanism comprising parallel sets of arms, and shafts connecting the arms of each set, and members pivotally connected to one shaft having a straight face on one side and a face inclined thereto on'the other side whereby the ends of the members may be insertedbelow the other shaft before the edges of the layer are in abutting position to compress the straight faces of the members against the abutting edges of the layer to I form a smooth joint when they are abutted. 16. In an apparatus of the class described,

the combination with a flexible sheet for supporting a layer of plastic material of removable strips temporarily disposed along the edges thereof and means to bend the plastic material until the edges abut after the strips are removed.

17. In an apparatus of the class descr bed, the combination with a flexible sheet for supporting a layer of plastic materlal, vof

mechanism for bending the edges of the sheet and plastic material-until the edges of the sheet abut, and removable strlps disposed along the sides of the sheet and adapted to measure the thickness of the layer .of plastic material and removable from the edges of the sheet before the said edges abut. Y

18. In an apparatus of the class described, the combinatlon with table members, of a L-shaped in cross section with a recess in one of the arms of the L adapted to fit over the edges of the sheet and removable therefrom, said side members being removable before the edges of the plastic sheet are in abutment, and means to compress the plastic material along the line of abutment,

19. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with table members, of a flexible. sheet disposed thereon, and means at the ends of the sheet removably attached to the table members for gaging the thickness of plastic material upon the said sheet.

20. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with supporting members, of flexible material disposed thereon for supporting a layer of plastic material. side members removably positioned along the side edges of the sheet, end members removof the plastic sheet.

21'. In an apparatus for forming cylindrical columns, the combination with table members, of a sheet of flexible material disposed thereon for supporting a layer of plastic material, gaging members at the ends of the flexible sheet, threaded pins depending from the gaging members at spaced distances apart, the table members being formed with recesses to receive the threaded pins, and winged nuts adjustable upon the threaded members to secure engaging members releasably in position.

22. In an apparatus for forming columns, the combination with a table, of means for supporting a layer ofplastic material thereon, means for gaging the depth of the plastic material, end plates removably secured to the ends of the table, and means for bending the edges of the plastic material between 'the end plates until theyabut to form a cylindrical column.

In an apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical columns, the combination with table, members, of means for supporting a layer of plastic material thereon, removable means for gaging the size and depth of the tic material about the core between the end plates until the edges of the plastic material abut.

24. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with means for supporting a layer of plastic material, of a collapsible core, mechanism for bending the edges of the plastic material about the core until they abut, said core comprising three segments to one of which two of the others are pivotally connected, a member disposed between the two pivoted segments, and links connecting the member to the first mentioned segment and adapted to be moved outwardly with the links to form, with the two pivoted segments and with the other segment, a cylindrical member which is collapsed when the said member is moved longitudinally of the other members.

25. In an apparatus of the class described a collapsible core comprising a segment, two segments pivotally connected to the first mentioned segment at spaced distances from each other having outer extremities which incline toward each other, and a member disposed between the two pivoted segments having an inclined surface to force the pivoted members apart at their outer extremity and comprising, with all of the segments, a

structure whose cross section is of any desired shape, and link to connect the member to the first mentioned segment so that when the links are at right angles thereto the member will force the two pivoted segments in their distended position, the said member being movable inwardly upon the links whereby the two pivoted members may be moved inwardly at their outer extremities and the core collapsed.

26. In an apparatus of the class described. the combination with means for supporting a layer of plastic material, of gaging means for measuring the size and depth of the plastic material, removable end plates disposed at the ends of the measured layer of plastic material, a collapsible core having segments pivotally connected together and a longitudinally movable member to engage the segments and press them outwardly, means in connection with the end plates for supporting the core, mechanism for bending the edges of the plastic material about the core until they abut, and compression devices in connection ,with said mechanism operable simultaneously therewith during the abutting operation to compress the abutting edges of the plastic material to form a smooth joint at the junction thereof.

'27. In an apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical columns, the combination of perforated end plates, of a core positioned by the perforations in the plates, and means for bending a sheet of plastic material about the core.

28. In an apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical columns, the combination with a core, of end lates with perforations therein to hold and position the core and adjustable along the core to vary the length of the formed column, and means to bend a sheet of plastic material about the core.

29. In an apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical columns, the combination with perforated end plates, of a collapsible core adapted to be inserted therethrough and positioned thereby, and means for bending a sheet of plastic material about the core.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 10th day of March, A. D. 1913.

- JOHN PETERSON.

Witnesses:

K. N. NoNNELL, ALLENA OFFUTT. 

